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Matt Harkins

Skier

Matt Harkins: #1,452 of 94,780 More Information

14 Reviews:

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2 Answers:

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  • Stomping Grounds:

    New England (Jay Peak, Killington, Smuggs, Sunday River, Cannon)
  • Bio:

    I currently live in Southern NH. I try and get in as many days skiing as possible without getting fired. During the off-season, I spend the majority of my time outside; this includes running, hiking, camping, and boating.

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Good Jacket

Mountain Hardwear Lodown Jacket - Men's

Mountain Hardwear Lodown Jacket - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 May 8, 2009

This is a good jacket, especially for the money. I generally don't wear it for skiing because its down and I prefer Primaloft when I ski. That being said, this is a good winter jacket and will definitely keep you warm. It fits well, but seems to run a little bit small.

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Waterproof and lightweight

Mountain Hardwear Typhoon Jacket - Men's

Mountain Hardwear Typhoon Jacket - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 May 8, 2009

This jacket is great! Completely waterproof, lightweight, packable, and looks good. Underarm vents work well to release heat. Drawstrings work well to lock out the elements. All-around great jacket.

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Good Hiking Shoe

The North Face Hedgehog GTX XCR Shoe - Men's

The North Face Hedgehog GTX XCR Shoe - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 May 8, 2009

I've used these primarily as a hiking shoe with a little bit of trail running mixed in. They are durable and will keep your feet dry. They are comfortable right out of the box. I have not gotten any blisters from them which has been a problem for me with past hiking shoes. Keep in mind this is a hiking shoe, and not a hiking boot. If you are looking for ankle support, this doesn't have it (that should go without saying).

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Great all-around jacket

The North Face Apex Bionic Jacket - Men's

The North Face Apex Bionic Jacket - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 May 8, 2009

Apex bionic jacket is great for what BC advertises it for. Great for spring skiing, hiking, and casual use. Keeps you warmer then other fleece jackets because it has a windproof shell. Would benefit from vents, but oh well. Great all-around durable jacket.

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Great all-around jacket

The North Face Apex Bionic Jacket - Men's

The North Face Apex Bionic Jacket - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 May 8, 2009

Apex bionic jacket is great for what BC advertises it for. Great for spring skiing, hiking, and casual use. Keeps you warmer then other fleece jackets because it has a windproof shell. Would benefit from vents, but oh well. Great all-around durable jacket.

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Meet my expectations

Spy Logan Sunglasses

Spy Logan Sunglasses

Rating for this product: 3 May 8, 2009

I bought these knowing that they aren't technical shades with polarized lenses. If that's what you are looking for, these aren't the right sunglasses for you. If you are just looking for a stylish/casual pair of sunglasses, then these are great. They fit well (my head is of "above average" size so keep that in mind). They feel a little tight on the bridge of my nose if I wear them for extended periods of time (like over 2 hours). Other then that, I have no complaints. They get the job done and contrary to one of the other posts here, they DO fit under a motorcycle helmet. I have a full-face HJC and they fit fine in it.

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Hestra Army Leather Gore-Tex XCR Glove

May 8, 2009

I would say that they will certainly keep your hands warm for cold weather riding. They'll probably work well to prevent hand fatigue and certainly shouldn't inhibit your ability to use your controls on the bike.

As far as protection goes, I've been somewhat disappointed in the quality of leather. I used mine skiing about 10 days this winter, and both palms have small holes and a couple gashes that I really didn't expect for the little use that they got. I'm just saying this because I wouldn't expect the leather to hold up in the event of a crash (granted it will be better then many synthetics).

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Mountain Hardwear Vinson Jacket - Men's

May 8, 2009

I have the Smith Hustle in an XL (I have a big dome) and the hood fits over that. The Hustle is a big helmet to begin with so unless your melon is the size of the goodyear blimp you should be good.

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Great Options for varying light conditions

Oakley A Frame Goggle Replacement Lenses

Oakley A Frame Goggle Replacement Lenses

Rating for this product: 5 May 8, 2009

I have multiple A Frame Replacement Lenses. I spend the majority of my winter skiing in Vermont which is notorious for flat light. I primarily use the H.I. Persimmon from November to February with the exception of blue bird days. This lens provides great contrast in flat light. I generally switch to the Fire Iridium or Black Iridium lens on blue bird days. These lenses filter out much more light and prevent you from feeling blinded by snow glare on sunny days.

Oakley provides plenty of other lens options worth checking out at http://oakley.com/pd/1650 The site is really good for determining what lens to pick based on the conditions you ski or ride in most. I'd also recommend following Oakley's instructions for swapping out lenses, as it can be more difficult then expected.

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Awesome Goggles

Oakley Shaun White Signature A Frame Goggle

Oakley Shaun White Signature A Frame Goggle

Rating for this product: 4 May 7, 2009

I've had these goggles for 3 or 4 seasons now. Best goggles I've ever owned. Lenses are somewhat challenging to swap out, but other then that absolutely no complaints. Frames do not infringe on my field of view at all. The goggles are comfortable and I've rarely had issues with fogging. I wear the Smith Hustle helmet, and there isn't any gaper gap with these goggles. Highly recommend them.

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Great All-around Fleece

The North Face Denali Fleece Jacket - Men's

The North Face Denali Fleece Jacket - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 May 7, 2009

As far as fleece jackets go, this is the most versatile one I've owned. It keeps you warm, its durable and the vents work well to cool you off on warmer days. I've had it for five years now and have no complaints. I use it as a base layer for skiing when the temp drops below 10 and it always keeps me warm. Also works well for New England spring skiing. Great for fall hikes as well.

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Decent Jacket

The North Face Scythe Fleece Jacket - Men's

The North Face Scythe Fleece Jacket - Men's

Rating for this product: 3 May 7, 2009

This is a decent jacket, but not exactly technical. Very stylish, fits great and looks good too. Works well to keep you warm if you wear it under a waterproof/windproof shell. Will not keep you warm without a shell as the wind blows right through it. Best use for fall hikes in comfortable temps with no wind.

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Awesome watch!

Nixon Cannon Watch - Men's

Nixon Cannon Watch - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 May 7, 2009

I have this watch in gunmetal. All around great watch. Plenty of style to dress up or down. Versatile and durable. I've had it for a year and the finish doesn't show any signs of wear (and I'm not exactly careful with my watches). Highly recommend this watch. If you're looking for a stylish and durable watch just to keep time, this is your watch.

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Great Gloves

Hestra Army Leather Gore-Tex XCR Glove

Hestra Army Leather Gore-Tex XCR Glove

Rating for this product: 4 March 25, 2009

Gloves are great, warm, and waterproof. I've used them a few times now in 10 - 20 degree weather. I'm prone to getting cold fingers and didn't have an issue with these gloves. Only complaint is that plastic piece on cuff broke first weekend out (minor issue and doesn't affect performance). Other then that the gloves are amazing.

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Great Jacket

Mountain Hardwear Vinson Jacket - Men's

Mountain Hardwear Vinson Jacket - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 March 25, 2009

I've skied in this jacket at least 10 days now. Overall great jacket. Perfect for bluebird days. Very durable jacket and holds up well to abuse. Pockets are great (with the exception of the internal water bottle pocket which only holds on to the bottle if you stay upright, oh well). Great cold/dry weather softshell.

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Great Helmet

Smith 2008 Hustle Helmet

Smith 2008 Hustle Helmet

Rating for this product: 5 March 25, 2009

Overall great helmet. Very warm helmet, but vents work well on warm spring days to keep your head cool(I've used it from 10 degrees up to 55 degrees and been completely comfortable). Very comfortable and light weight, so I barely even notice its on.

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